Schweitzer to Serve as Vice Chair
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Outgoing Democratic Governors
Association (DGA) Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today announced that
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will serve as the 2008 DGA Chair. She also
announced that Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer will be the Vice Chair.
"To build on our 2007 success, I'm pleased to announce Joe Manchin will begin
his term as DGA Chair today," Gov. Sebelius said. "And Brian Schweitzer begins
as DGA Vice Chair. The DGA is on target to transform our momentum into more
victories next year under Joe's and Brian's leadership."
Gov. Sebelius discussed the major accomplishments during her term as Chair.
"Our political successes were topped off by the election of Governor-elect
Steve Beshear in Kentucky," Gov. Sebelius said. "Our financial goals have been
met and we're ending the year in great shape for next year's 11 gubernatorial
races. It's been a strong year for Democratic governors working together on
important issues and I'm thrilled to see that continue."
Other 2007 achievements include smashing the DGA's $9.3 million fundraising
record from four years ago, when, like this year, there were three races;
banking an all time record of at least $6 million; and demonstrating
significant national leadership on important policy issues like the State
Children's Health Insurance Program.
Gov. Manchin thanked Gov. Sebelius and said the DGA is ready to build upon the
strong groundwork she laid. "A special thanks and congratulations go to
Kathleen for leading the DGA so effectively throughout 2007. Her leadership
provides a solid foundation upon which we can build our ranks next year and in
the years to come," Gov. Manchin said. "I'm very much looking forward to the
year ahead. I assure you that we will continue the Democratic momentum from
2006 and 2007."
Gov. Manchin, who previously served as the DGA's Vice Chair, outlined four
major goals for his term as Chair. First, he pledged to help re-elect all
Democratic incumbents running (in New Hampshire, Montana, Washington, and West
Virginia) and to retain the two Democratic open seats (in Delaware and North
Carolina). Second, Gov. Manchin set the goal of expanding the majority of
Democratic governors by at least one - by winning states like Missouri and
Indiana, who have vulnerable Republican incumbents. Third, he said DGA will
seek to break its all-time fundraising record of $18.3 million. Finally, Gov.
Manchin promised to lay a strong foundation for 2009, when there are two
gubernatorial races, and 2010, when there are 36.
In addition, he noted that 2008 will give Democrats a chance to form a new
federal partnership. Gov. Manchin said, "We look forward to welcoming new
leadership to the White House - the kind of leadership that embraces
partnership and sets aside partisanship. We're optimistic that we'll have a
Democratic White House victory next year."
The incoming DGA Vice Chair, Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana, who previously
served as the DGA's Finance Chair, discussed how successful Democratic
governors are in "red" states. "One of the most interesting things about
Democratic governors as a group is the broad support we win in every corner of
the country," Gov. Schweitzer said. "Fifteen of the 28 states with Democratic
governors are in states that voted for President Bush in the 2004 election.
Only six Republican governors are in states that voted Senator Kerry."
Gov. Schweitzer expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and in continuing
the DGA's success. "I'm very pleased to be a part of the DGA's leadership
team," he said. "You can expect an exciting year ahead that will culminate in
Democratic victories and more Democratic governors."
Gov. Manchin concluded, "Democratic leadership is resonating with more and
more Americans, and it's because we're results-oriented, innovative CEOs. As
DGA Chair, I plan to help spread that kind of Democratic leadership in order
to improve the quality of life for more hardworking Americans."
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SOURCE Democratic Governors Association
Brian Namey of the Democratic Governors Association, +1-202-772-5620 (o),
+1-202-374-0002 (cell)
